Now it’s time to learn the proper techniques for shampooing black hair!

Don’t shampoo very tangled hair.First be sure that the hair is detangled. If your hair is relaxed, do this gently with a wide tooth comb. If the hair is natural then just do it with your fingers gently as very curly or kinky. Natural hair should never be combed or brushed when it is dry. You may spray a mist of water and apply a little oil in the hair to help with the lubrication and detangling is even easier if you give your hair a hot oil treatmentbeforehand.

Braid or twist it up. Braids or twists will be needed to avoid any further tangling during the shampooing process. For long relaxed hair, 2-4 loose braids or twists are sufficient. If your hair is natural and very curly, coily or kinky then it is best to braid or twist into 4-6 sections, but if you have shoulder length and shorter hair you can get away with shampooing without braiding first.

Wash your scalp not your hair!Get in the shower and wet the hair thoroughly while rubbing the scalp in circular motions. Apply a small amount of shampoo to your palm, rub your hands together and distribute concentrating on the scalp as this is where majority of the dirt accumulates. The shampoo will actually clean the length of your hair while it is being rinsed off, so don’t worry about having dirty hair! If you choose not to braid your hair, you can prevent tangles by holding the section of hair with one hand while rubbing the shampoo with the other. Wash one section at a time.

Rinse and repeat. The first shampoo will probably not lather much because of oil and styling product residue in your hair, so rinse the shampoo out thoroughly and repeat. After you rinse, and if you use a sulfate free shampoo, your tresses should be left clean without feeling stripped. You should invest in a good sulphate free shampoo with moisturizing benefits. They are widely available in supermarkets, beauty stores and online. Proceed to deep conditioning as usual remembering to detangle with a wide tooth comb only when the hair is soaking with conditioner.